Jamil Baghdachi, professor of engineering technology at Eastern Michigan University has been inducted as one of the 2014 Fellows of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
The ACS recognized the Fellows in August during the Society’s 248th national meeting and exposition in San Francisco. The class included 99 scientists who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in chemistry and who have made significant contributions to science, the community and to the ACS, the world’s largest scientific society.
Although Baghdachi could “literally wallpaper his walls with the number of acknowledgements, awards and honors he has received,” the professor in the College of Technology admits receiving the ACS Fellow designation is one of his finest achievements.
“Awards are affirmation of st EPS taken, which gives encouragement for more achievements,” said Baghdachi.
Baghdachi arrived on Eastern’s campus seventeen years ago after spending fifteen years in the industry. He has taught and mentored thousands of students throughout the university and also within the industry through professional training courses. Many of these former students are now making their own noteworthy, technical and scientific contributions in academia and the science industry.
Baghdachi’s work includes 48 patents, scores of refereed publications and five volumes of technical books. Some of his most significant contributions in the coatings and polymer field include:
The invention of an adhesive/coating that is used as binders for solid fuel rocket propellants, and coatings for use in heavy industries and oil and gas pipelines. The development and patent of an adhesive sealant that is being used by nearly all of the U.S. based automotive manufacturers to bond windshields to the car body. The development of antimicrobial coatings, which are being used on some refrigerators, telephones and computer keyboards. “Passion is a very necessary component of any innovation,” said Baghdachi.
Among his numerous accomplishments, Baghdachi was the recipient of the 2011 Alumni Teaching Excellent Award and also received the 2009 Roon Best Paper Award. He is also one of the EMU faculty members highlighted in the new TRUEMU campaign 'Elevating Communities, Inspiring Generations,' which showcases research at Eastern Michigan University.
Baghdachi’s non-academic contributions are notable as well. He has served as a member of the American Chemical Society for over 38 years, and has spent endless amounts of time providing his expertise to numerous professional societies and organizations. In 2012, he was awarded the highest service recognition “Industry Excellence Award” from the American Coatings Association.
Baghdachi received his bachelor of science degree in 1973 and his master’s degree in 1976 from Middle Tennessee State University. He completed his doctoral studies in organic chemistry at the University of Mississippi in 1982, followed by postdoctoral work at the University of Massachusett.
